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A nature lover’s delight, the island is made up of 63% national
park that supports a wide range of unique and unusual species
and habitats. Walking and driving tracks lead to many lookouts,
beaches and freshwater waterfalls. Shallow waters with a fringing
reef surround the island, before plunging dramatically 5000m into
the depths of the Java Trench. Caves honeycomb the limestone cliffs
at sea level. These different marine environments provide a visual
feast for snorkellers and divers alike.
The Island’s flora has developed largely due to the warm
temperatures, high rainfall and isolation. There are approximately
460 plant species, of which 213 are native plant species,17 of
these natives are endemic to Christmas Island. The Island is a
focal point
for sea birds of various species. Eight species of sea birds
nest on the Island, these include the endangered Abbotts Booby
and the Christmas Island Frigatebirds.
The island is also home to 120 million red crabs. At the beginning
of the wet season ( October / November ) most of the adult red
crabs begin a spectacular migration. They move on mass from the
forest to the coast to breed and release their eggs into the sea.
The baby crabs return to the forest approximately 1 month later.
This migration has been described by ecologists as one of the
wonders of the natural world and is one of Christmas’ Islands
claim to fame amongst naturalists. The main migration commences
on the plateau and can last up to 18 days. The annual spectacle
attracts national and international visitors.
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Climate:
Christmas island experiences a tropical equatorial climate
with wet & dry seasons. The wet season is from December to
April when the Island comes under the influence of the north west
monsoons.
During the rest of the year, the south east trade winds bring
slightly lower temperatures and humidity with much less rain.
The
average daily temperature is 25C and the average humidity is 80%.
Accommodation:
The Sunset offers stunning views of the Indian
Ocean. The hotel is
centrally located in the settlement and is only a short stroll
to the local shops, cafes and the Golden Busun Tavern. There are
three
room categories to choose from.
The Superior Oceanview and Oceanview rooms offer guests spectacular
views of the Indian ocean as well as the amazing Christmas Island
sunsets from the private balcony.
Standard rooms have access to the ocean view from the poolside
area. Each room offers private en-suite facilities, air conditioning
and ceiling fan, workstation, telephone, internet access, television,
mini fridge, complimentary tea / coffee making facilities.
Adjoining rooms are available for families, and rollaway beds
are
available on request.
The VQ3 Lodge is located in the settlement only
50metres away
from The Sunset.
The lodge has been recently upgraded. All rooms have
private en-suite facilities, air conditioning and ceiling fan,
workstation, telephone, internet access, television, mini
fridge, complimentary tea & coffee making facilities. There
are a number of room categories available, standard , superior-ocean
view and if you are looking for a little luxury, the presidential
spa suite. In addition to these facilities, the lodge offers a
communal guest kitchen. All guest are welcome to use the swimming
pool at The Sunset. |
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